Members of the Sealy Community Foundation are gearing up for the 31st annual Fantasy of Lights event, set for Dec. 1-2.

“Sealy’s Fantasy of Lights festival is one of many traditions our community attends and enjoys together,” said Melanie Willingham, president of the Sealy Community Foundation. “From Friday to the end of the parade Saturday, this event is filled with fun activities for all to enjoy – and it will not break the budget. As always, we look forward to seeing everyone at Fantasy of Lights.”

This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World.

“You can expect fun for all ages,” said Sealy Community Foundation member Angela Schmidt. “We have everything from the softball tournament, a 5k and 1k fun run, barbecue cook-off, sleigh rides, snowfall in Sealy, live entertainment downtown at the park, a Christmas parade and gingerbread house decorating contest. It’s a community event with participation from school-age children and their parents and local businesses. We try to make it a countywide event.”

Because it’s not contained to one particular area, it’s difficult to gauge how many people have attended in years past, but it’s largely considered the “place to be” on the first weekend of December. A major draw is that it’s free to the public, although some vendors will be on site selling food and Christmas gifts.

“We’re excited,” Schmidt said. “Last year was canceled due to inclement weather, so we’re praying for good weather this year.”

Many of the events directly benefit local youth. The barbecue cook-off and Snowball Softball Tournament both require donations of toys, then donate much of their proceeds to organizations within Austin County. Each year the proceeds from the Jingle Bell Fun Run go to the Sealy PTA.

The eighth annual barbecue cook-off gets underway Dec. 1 at B&PW Park with awards announced Saturday, Dec. 2. Softball teams will duke it out for team and individual prizes Dec. 1-3. Fantasy of Lights culminates with a parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 2.